Council, Visy trade ex-Norske Skog paper plant
Visy has flipped the landmark ex-Norske Skog Ettamogah paper mill after deciding against occupying, it was speculated, to produce laminated print boxes.
The 777 hectare parcel, 117 RW Henry Drive, Thurgoona, fetched $18 million from Albury Council for a water treatment plant.
The deal comes seven months since valuable plant and machinery within the factory was sold down.
Visy paid Norske-Skog $85m in 2019 to occupy and possibly part-develop; the seller operated the paper mill since 1981 but offered it vacant.
In recent years, Visy retained it as a depot.
It will keep a small portion to the west, to continue occupying.
What is planned
Albury Council confirmed it would buy the Ettamogah site earlier this year – at the same time endorsing the draft Albury City Water and Wastewater Master Plans, which aim to future-proof the area’s water supply.
“We are one of Australia’s fastest growing regional cities,” mayor, Kevin Mack, said.
“People want to live, work and invest here but we need affordable infrastructure that ensures we can deliver essential services for them, while supporting sustainable growth across our whole community,” he added.
“This acquisition will enable the delivery of critical wastewater infrastructure and is significantly more cost-effective than other alternatives considered in the draft masterplans,” according to the executive.
“It opens the door for more sustainable opportunities, such as the use of recycled water for public space irrigation, and aligns with our strategic vision and financial responsibility to support the ongoing growth of our city”.
The wastewater treatment plant will service the Thurgoona-Wirlinga area.
The council area population is expected to double in 50 years.
“Council made a similar investment in the 1990s when it purchased degraded farmland that became known as the Wonga Wetlands,” Cr Mack said.
“Over the years, this acquisition became a significant wetland that is now nationally recognised for its innovative approach to wastewater reuse, biodiversity enhancement and floodplain rejuvenation,” he added.
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